6 Great Dog Toy Ideas for the Holidays

6 Great Dog Toy Ideas for the Holidays

What’s on your dog’s holiday wish list this year? If only our pups could talk and tell us what they really want! That would help take the guesswork out of trying to find that perfect toy they won’t demolish immediately, or worse, ignore. At Wagsworth, we may have a solution for you. We’ve put together a curated list of some of the least destructible, most entertaining dog toys available for the 2022 holiday season. We even consulted other pet parents—and, of course, their fur-babies too—for their personal toy reviews. Whether your pup is just a little tyke or all grown up; an enthusiastic chewer or a diehard tugger; or a tireless fetcher or an adorable cuddler, we think you’ll find something on this list of six dog toys that will make them bark for joy this holiday season.

#1 What’s a good puppy toy?

If you recently welcomed a new—and destructive—pup into the family, the Nylabone Puppy Power Teething Rings Chew Toy could be the perfect holiday gift for them and you. Your little buddy may be distracted for hours by this ring toy’s ridges which are intended to help soothe a teething puppy’s angry gums. Nylabone is so durable because it is made of interlocking nylon that can withstand tiny, sharp puppy teeth. If these details aren’t reason enough for you to be confident your puppy is going to enjoy this toy, we have one more: It tastes like bacon. Mic drop.

“I love the way this toy keeps my puppy’s teeth clean. She always has fresh breath!”

~ Pomeranian puppy parent

#2 What’s a good toy for an adult dog?

If your dog has outgrown those “silly” puppy toys and is ready for more mature endeavors, you might want to consider getting them a toy that challenges their mind and encourages problem-solving skills. Outward Hound Interactive Treat Puzzles offer a variety of obstacles that mentally stimulate all types of dogs and, to every pup’s delight, have compartments that flip, slide, and open to reveal hidden treats. Veterinarians say they recommend this toy because it encourages positive play habits and it’s made with materials that are BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free.

“I am not only happy with this toy because my Lab loves it, but because it is designed with food-safe plastic materials and cleans up so easily with warm water and soap.”

~ Black Labrador Retriever parent

#3 What’s a good toy for a dog who chews?

If your dog has terminated every toy they’ve ever been given, this holiday season, you might want to bring out the big guns. Check out the innovative, safe, and extremely tough toys made by KONG. If you’re not sure which version to start with, begin by getting the classic Kong for your dog. While this tried-and-true model may look like an earplug for King Kong, which is how it supposedly earned its name, it is sure to satisfy your dog’s need for both play and chewing for a while. However, you can extend your pup’s focus by adding tempting bits of kibble or a spoonful of peanut butter.

“My Pointer needs to be kept busy or else, so the KONG has been a great toy for him. As a vet, I appreciate how this toy reinforces good chewing behaviors.”

~ German Wirehaired Pointer parent and veterinarian

#4 What’s a good tug toy for a dog?

If you and your pup love a friendly game of tug-of-war, West Paw makes resilient dog toys, like the Bumi, that can be your holiday gift to each other. The Bumi has a unique “S” shape and is both lightweight and durable. Another incredibly fun feature of this toy is that it stretches to twice its length. It can also be used for fetch, keep away, and other dog-and-pet-parent games.

“The Bumi has a bonus feature that we love for our Goldens. It stays afloat in water and so we use it to make bath time more fun for them.”

~ Golden Retriever parent

#5 What’s a good fetch toy for a dog?

If your dog craves outdoor activity and endless games of fetch, the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball may be the toy that keeps them happy and saves your arm from Tommy John surgery. It has a lightweight, super bouncy design that makes it much easier to throw and more fun for your dog than other balls. If your dog loves to fly and tumble while playing fetch, you may want to splurge a little and get them the Chuckit! Ultra Launcher, which will send the Ultra Ball distances that will absolutely thrill your pup.

“It’s way better than a tennis ball for so many reasons, like the bright color which makes it easy to spot and how easily it cleans up.”

~ Border Collie parent

#6 What’s a good stuffed animal toy for a dog?

If you have a dog who is passionate about stuffed animals and won’t go anywhere without one, we think you’ll love the tough and adorable plush products from goDog. The company uses a trademarked Chew Guard technology in its toys, so they last significantly longer than standard soft plush toys. GoDog even guarantees their quality by offering a free one-time replacement. The only reason this gift might cause you issues is that there are way too many cute animals, from a purple dinosaur to a pink dragon or blue llama, to just choose one.

“So fluffy and long-lasting! Our Bernese can’t even get a thread loose.”

~ Bernese Mountain Dog parent

Wagsworth’s Final Tips for Finding the Ideal Dog Toy This Holiday Season

Even though these six toys come highly recommended, it doesn’t mean they will be right for your pup. It’s important to consider what might be the best fit for your dog based on their size, age, and play style. For example, veterinarians suggest that the size of a dog toy be bigger than your dog’s mouth to avoid a choking hazard. In addition, vets typically warn against extremely rigid toys that may crack your dog’s teeth as well as toys that can be shredded easily and wind up in your pup’s stomach. Finally, no toy, whether it’s store-bought or homemade, is indestructible forever, which is why vets strongly recommend that your fur-baby always have adult supervision while playing with their holiday gifts.